The wind howling through the microphones and the distant wail of a Police siren were the only distractions at 11 a.m. yesterday as Front Street descended into silence to remember Bermuda's war dead.

More than 1,500 braved the Bank Holiday rain to turn out for the solemn ceremony with 41 proud veterans standing erect at the Cenotaph as the Island paid its respects to those who fought for freedom more than 50 years ago.

The veterans, whose ever dwindling group marched proud and tall behind the Regiment band, were greeted with warm applause by the gathered crowds as they took their places for an inspection by Governor Sir John Vereker.

The early downpours which had threatened to take the ceremony inside to Hamilton Cathedral had passed by the time the assembled troops had arrived.

While many in the crowd had no personal memories of the First or Second World Wars, many families made a point of attending the ceremony to honour "the brave and the true who died".

Many visiting Americans and Canadians joined Bermudians on the streets to honour those who made the ultimate sacrifice in the prime of their lives all those years ago.

Wreaths were laid at the base of the Cenotaph ? erected more than 80 years ago to honour the fallen of the First World War ? with Sir John followed by Premier Alex Scott, Hamilton Mayor Lawson Mapp and Leader of the Opposition Grant Gibbons.

President of the War Veterans Frank Farmer, chairman of the Defence Board Garry Madeiros, Regiment Commander Lt. Col. Eddie Lamb, Police Commissioner Jonathan Smith and Chief Fire Officer Vincent Hollinsid also laid wreaths.

'The Last Post' was played by the Regiment band before a number of prayers were offered. "We meet to pay tribute to all those who gave their lives in the cause of freedom in two World Wars, especially those who went forth from this land of ours and are here commemorated," the crowd heard.

Prayers were also offered to the leaders of all nations to pursue peace.

The ceremony closed with 'Reveille' and the Governor was led away in his car with a caravan of Police escorts on cycles in their dress whites.

Speaking to after the ceremony, veteran Robert Faught told of his pride at the reception the veterans still get from the large Bermudian crowds.

"These days definitely fill you with pride," said Mr. Faught, an American fighter pilot who served in the Pacific and in the Korean War. "You wouldn't get this sort of reaction in the United States, they don't do this sort of thing there. But it is a proud moment for us to see so many come out for this ceremony.

"It is splendid to think that 58 years on, people still do not forget.

"When I stand there, I think of those who didn't make it through."

He added that conversation among veterans focused each year on those who hadn't made it since the previous November 11 ? eight Bermudian veterans are known to have died in the past 12 months.